Got a tip for us?Let us know

a. Send us an email
b. Anonymous form

Apple to Reduce Affiliate Program Commission Rate to 2.5% for Apps Next Week [Updated]

Monday April 24, 2017 10:34 AM PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today emailed its iTunes Affiliate Program members to inform them that its commission rate for all apps and in-app content will be reduced to 2.5 percent on May 1, down from 7 percent, globally.

Apple will continue to offer a 7 percent commission rate for all other iTunes content, including music, movies, TV shows, and books. Apple will also continue to offer a one-time 50 percent commission on Apple Music subscriptions.

Ouch! Apple just slashed the affiliate commission on apps and IAP. This will impact lots of great sites/apps. pic.twitter.com/dbv7CboMX3 — David Barnard (@drbarnard) April 24, 2017

Through the iTunes Affiliate Program, websites can link to and promote App Store apps and receive a percentage of the sale in return.

Update: Apple now says the reduced 2.5 percent commission rate only applies to iOS in-app purchases.

Tags: App Store, iTunes Affiliate Program

Related Forum: Mac Apps

Top Rated Comments

ck2875

115 months ago

The affiliate program and third-party store parsers would be a lot less necessary if app discovery on the App Store wasn't so horrendous. I basically have to rely on AppShopper & Product Hunt to find price drops & new apps.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Asarien

115 months ago

Apple must really be strapped for cash.

Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

spyguy10709

115 months ago

RIP appshopper

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

BeyondtheTech

115 months ago

Haha, funny joke.

I think these ads just aren't effective, that's why they reduced the rate.

Shouldn't it be the opposite? If the advertising isn't effective, raise them so that advertisers would be more enticed to do it.

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

BeyondtheTech

115 months ago

Well, thank goodness! We wouldn't want them to be losing any steam on that constant flow of income.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

ethanwa79

115 months ago

I make $250/month from promoting my own apps (via various methods) using affiliate links. With the cut down to 2.5%, I'll now be making $85/month. So essentially a $2000 loss per year (basically a mortgage payment for me).

I'm a small developer with one partner. We've been on the App Store for years. Will we survive? Yes. But this hurts small shops like me... every dollar counts.

Considering how many billions of dollars you have in your bank accounts, this is lame Apple.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...

• 88 comments

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol

The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol

We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...

• 25 comments

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...

• 137 comments

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol

In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

• 43 comments